WORLD BRIEFING | AFRICA; Gambia: Coup Suspect Is Captured

By REUTERS

Published: August 14, 2008

The head of Guinea-Bissau's navy, who has been accused of plotting a coup attempt this month in his country, has been captured by Gambian authorities, they said Wednesday. The naval leader, Rear Adm. Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchuto, had escaped house arrest and fled by boat to nearby Gambia. It was not clear whether extradition proceedings had begun. Analysts fear recent political uncertainty, coupled with a tide of drugs smuggled through the country, is undermining efforts to restore stability after decades of chaos. United Nations drugs experts say the country has become a hub for international cocaine smugglers.